Chris and Darcy Winebager, married only two weeks, returned to Martha’s Vineyard to run their first 10K race as husband and wife. The East Hartford couple was among the first to register when the race was announced in July. “I proposed to her at the lighthouse. It means a lot to us.”
The first annual Gay Head 10K, A Race Against Time, took place on October 6, 2013. On this crisp grey fall day, islanders and visitors came out to support not only the 226 runners, but also to save the cherished Gay Head Lighthouse. The 10K race was established by the Town of Aquinnah’s Save The Gay Head Lighthouse Committee to raise money and awareness about the need to move the lighthouse away from the eroding cliffs. The committee plans to make the 10K an annual event and once the lighthouse is relocated, the race will provide on-going support for maintenance costs.
Runners ready to start the Gay Head 10K
Beginning at the Gay Head Cliffs, the course heads along State Road past Wampanoag Tribal lands, down Moshup Trail along beaches and crashing surf, and back to foot of the lighthouse. This scenic and difficult course attracted runners from as far away as Hawaii and California, but also included 100 runners from the island. Local running enthusiasts had often speculated that this Aquinnah course would be a perfect 10K.
This grey day was made brighter by the outpouring of community spirit. Island businesses donated water, food, and buses. Nike donated 500 tee shirts. Volunteers of all ages came forth from every corner of the island. The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School hockey and cross-country teams set up the course and staffed water stations. Seven-year-old Laina set up a water station at her house on State Road after being convinced by her mother that water would be better choice for runners than lemonade. As part of her birthday overnight party, Menasha, an Aquinnah resident, joined with her friends to hand out bananas and muffins to runners at the finish line.
Families and supporters filled the circle at the Gay Head Cliffs and cheered on the runners as they circled the loop to the finish line. The festive atmosphere continued at the award ceremony held on the lighthouse grounds. Connor Welch of Allston, overall champion at 36:05, and Emma Mushnick of Vineyard Haven, the women’s champion at 43:34, were awarded the first Gay Head Lighthouse 10K medals.
Chris Winebager vowed to return every year with his bride to celebrate their anniversary and run the race.